Former German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has died. Her management confirmed this. The 31-year-old died on Monday while mountaineering in Pakistan at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters.

Former German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has died in a mountaineering accident in Pakistan's Karakoram Mountains. The double Olympic champion's management confirmed this. The 31-year-old was hit by rockfall on Laila Peak at an altitude of approximately 5,700 meters on Monday.

The rope partner, who later began the descent with other climbers, made an emergency call. She reportedly tried to rescue Dahlmeier for many hours.

However, this was impossible in the difficult terrain and due to the ongoing rockfall. Since her rope partner could no longer detect any signs of life, she decided to retreat from the danger zone during the night and continue her descent.

Stefan Nestler on the conditions in the Karakoram Mountains tagesschau24, July 30, 2025, 2:00 PM

Rescue had to be aborted

An initial rescue attempt had to be aborted due to poor conditions at the difficult-to-access accident site. The use of helicopters was not possible due to the weather conditions.

On Tuesday, a helicopter flew over the accident site and found no signs of life. Based on the rope partner's description of the severity of her injuries, it is assumed that Dahlmeier died instantly.

Body should not be recovered

In a statement, Dahlmeier's management said it was assumed that the 31-year-old had been dead since Monday. The recovery of the body was not possible due to the"currently prevailing difficult conditions with rockfall and a change in the weather on Laila Peak."

"It was Laura Dahlmeier's express and written will that in a case like this, no one should risk their life to rescue her," the statement continued."Her wish was to leave her body on the mountain in this case. This is also in the spirit of the relatives, who also expressly request that Laura's final wishes be respected."